Rochdale Canal selectively closed

OWING to the lack of water the Rochdale summit pound is to be selectively closed to navigation during the week to conserve supplies.

The problem is that the reservoir supplying the pound is not owned by Canal & River Trust but a water utility company, that limits the amount supplied to the canal, Keith Gudgin tells us.

Further limiting supply

A further problem is that the water company is at present undertaking maintenance work on the reservoir that is further limiting supply.  This means that though the Trust has been able to purchase extra supply in the past to the pound, this year it is not possible.

The outcome is that the summit pound with be closed to navigation on Mondays and Fridays of each week, starting on Monday 4th August until further notice.

Further restrictions

The Trust believes that this will manage the supply until the end of the boating season, but if the situation deteriorates further restrictions will be imposed that will mean closures around Hebden Bridge in addition to the summit pound closure.

From the 4th August the canal will be locked off at Locks 34 at Warland and West Summit (pictured) locks, on the evening of the day before the closure day and unlocked again on the morning of the next day of navigation.

There is mooring immediately below these locks for boaters who are delayed by the closure.